Title |
A Study on the Effect of Accessible Design Features of Housing and Public Facilities on the Quality of Life of People with Disabilities |
Keywords |
Accessible design ; Barrier free design ; Quality of life |
Abstract |
There is a growing awareness that physical barriers affect the level of independence of people with disabilities. Many researchers insist that barrier free design could influence independence living and quality of life of the disabled. The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of accessible design features of house and public facilities on quality of life of disabled people. A total of 189 questionnaires from the disabled who visited public welfacre facilities was analyzed. In order to find out what variables among accessible features in housing and public spaces impact quality of life, multiple regression analysis was carried using SPSS 14. The results showed that accessible designs significantly influence quality of life of the disable. The main reason in which the disabled have difficulties when they move outside is a lack of accessible amenities and facilities. Particularly in house design, accessible main entrance route and accessible main entrance door, and removal of floor level significantly affects quality of life of the disabled. For public spaces, accessible main entrance and installation of ramp or removal of floor levels of main entrance and corridor increase quality of life people with disabilities. This paper suggested that the improvement in housing and public space, in which regulation or bylaws do not specify, should be made to increase accessibility for life quality of the disabled. |